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I try to use 'Dinky Toys' as much as possible, 'Dinkies' is accepted among general model collectors, those that have mixed brands and some Dinky Toys.

'DINKY' on it's own does not quite work in the same way as 'AIRFIX' does, so tends not to be used universally.

Collectors of Dinky Toys are true 'Old School' collectors, shuffling around the junk shops with their dog-eared pocket note books, hunting for another colour variation. They still exist Today, trust me, a close friend is just like as I mention, he has an old Tweed Jacket with Leather elbow patches, that he is always putting his hands in the pockets of and he keeps scraps of paper with (to him), vital bits of Dinky Toy information, scribbled in ink. He is just as described by Chris earlier in as much as whispering in your Ear about his new find as if it is some Secret society meeting!

The internet has not quit dragged these Guys up to the point in collecting where we are in Matchbox collecting.

No disrespect to any forum members who feel I have just described them, you are all still collectors and welcome on this forum...

Ghosthunter.

I've wondered about the plural before, Dinky Toys sounds correct to me. I've heard people say "Lesneys" lots of times but I haven't heard "Matchboxes" used much eg: "I've got lots of Lesneys," (seems to sound ok) and "I've got lots of Matchboxes," (doesn't sound right). In reality they're a brand name so shouldn't they be used in the singular?

Correct, it should be 'Matchbox Toys' from Lesney.

Ghosthunter.

Hi all,
The thing I do find worrying is all the knowledge that is being lost as older collectors pass away.
I still book in (literally) every new Dinky, listing details of variations, dates made, and general notes. I also try to photograph them, and upload to Photobucket. At least if I died tomorrow the Wife would have some idea what was what.
But how secure is online stuff? If PB crashed tomorrow it's all gone. So I still use my physical book and print off lists. Who knows, in 50 years the information of when where and how much I paid may even be of interest to someone who's never been to a Toyfair.
I have come across some seriously strange attitudes over the years, when I was out with my Dad 40 + years ago, it was common to meet a collector, be there a couple of hours, and only then be shown the "rare ones" when he trusted you wouldn't tell anyone!
Chris Warr.

It is now clear to me that Dinky Toy collecting is a completely different world.

I would have thought that the differing two-tone masks were used on both colours. I have both masking styles on the red/cream Oxford, and presumably one of my Minxes is the different type to your one Chris. Interesting that you have only seen one mask type on the black and cream Somerset. I can't help in that respect as I have no two-tone Somersets.

Matchbox collectors seem to be more into variations than other collectors (that's my impression anyway). Most of the collectors of old toys I know aren't too interested in minor variations, and I'm sure some see these as slightly obsessive craziness!

It's an interesting point about knowledge being lost as collectors pass away. I knew a collector with an amazing Dinky collection, which I saw many years ago. He invited me to come and see it again, which would be great as in the meantime I have learnt a lot through my own collecting. Sadly he recently passed away before this could be arranged.

I'm sure that Dinky Toys is the correct plural to use, but I like calling them Dinkies. I believe an old Meccano Magazine once stated something along the lines of "Dinky Toys, or Dinkies as they are commonly called", but I don't know which issue it was, so I can't check this out.

Fred7A wrote:Sadly he recently passed away before this could be arranged.

Do his family appreciate what his collection represents and what it might be worth? If appropriate, I would strongly suggest that you put out some feelers, not to have the models pass into your hands, but to ensure that they are disposed of appropriately (rather than to the nearest Oxfam shop!).

His family are aware that the toys are of value. The collector wanted the collection to be left to a local museum, but unfortunately they were unable to take it (I'm not certain what the reasons were). The family said they wanted to keep the collection together, but it seems that wasn't practical as I've just seen that it will be going to auction.

motorman wrote:

Idris wrote:

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:...a shady car sales Man...

Is there any other kind?

Mmmmmn The dodgy one.

now now Al ....an MP was kicked out of parliament for calling someone dodgy